Quicklinks

Poll

What are your plans for March Break?:

Hitting the slopes

Hitting the beach

Hitting the malls

Staycation

Family bike ride planned

Friday, 18 July 2014 - 3:04pm

Staff

As part of the Northwestern Health Unit’s “Do One Thing” campaign, health educator Jolene Quast is planning a family bike ride for next Thursday (July 24).
Called “Spoke and Mirrors: Celebrating Dads and Kids,” the event will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Tess’ Kitchen (1030 Scott Street).

“The objectives for this target group are to encourage male role models to enjoy a nice bike ride with their families,” Quast explained, citing she had originally wanted to have a Father’s Day bike ride, but it just didn’t pan out.
“There’s so much emphasis on mothers that sometimes we lose the importance of father-type figures,” she voiced.
She noted all family members are encouraged to participate, but that she’d particularly like to see plenty of fathers or other male role models, like uncles, grandfathers, or brothers, out.
“We’ll be starting at Tess’ Kitchen and riding to Library parking lot where we will provide free decorations for bikes,” explained OPP Cst. Anne McCoy, “From there, we will practice taking a safe route and ride to Rainycrest where we will display our decorated bikes for the residents and have a quick photo op and cool drink.
“Then we are off to the Front Street park for a quick break/play before continuing on a ride down the waterfront, turning around at Fifth Street and back to Minnie Ave where we will cross and head back to Tess’ Kitchen,” she said.
Quast indicated the event will also teach bike safety and encourage physical activity.
“The goal of the activity is to provide children and their parents the opportunity to ‘Do One Thing,’” she explained, citing it is an initiative of the Northwestern Health Unit to empower people to get active, make healthier food choices, and make changes in their community that support healthy living.
At the same time, they will learn about being safe when riding a bike.
“We are encouraging cyclists to wear their bicycle helmets to prevent brain injury and how to identify safe routes of bike travel through the community,” Cst. McCoy expressed.
Cst. McCoy and the OPP summer students will be on hand to check over bikes before the event begins and will lead the group on the ride.
Following the bike ride, a free lunch will be provided to participants at Tess’ Kitchen.
There will also be a draw for two prizes.
Cst. McCoy noted children of all ages may participate, but children under the age of six should have a parent with them.
“Younger children do not have to ride the entire route. We can arrange a shorter route with their parents,” she said, stressing that helmets are mandatory.
For more information, contact Quast at 274-9827.